Will Knauth is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University. Will is scheduled to make his PGA Tour debut at the AT&T Byron Nelson on 11 May 2023.

Although Knauth's family members were mostly software developers and professors, his introduction to golf was by chance. It wasn't until a family trip to Northern Wisconsin that he learned about the sport and started playing in local North Central Pennsylvania Golf Association events. 

During his senior year of high school, Will became more familiar with the American Junior Golf Association and started playing more seriously.

Thanks to his exceptional skills and hard work, Knauth earned an exemption into the 156-man field by winning the 2022 Byron Nelson Award, an accolade presented by the Golf Coaches Association of America to a graduating senior for their achievements both on and off the course.

Will Knauth Is a Columbia University Athlete

Will is currently pursuing a PhD in statistics at Columbia University. Will is also a talented violinist who played in the state orchestra during childhood. 

Before his time at Wells Fargo, where he worked as a corporate model risk intern, he spent a year as a teaching assistant while studying at Carnegie Mellon University.

Before his university years, Will worked as a pro shop attendant at White Deer Golf Course, managing sales, customer services, and other aspects of the course's operation.

Knauth played golf all four years at Carnegie Mellon
Source : instagram

Will's background includes various extracurricular activities and societies he was intricate in during high school and college. At Williamsport Area High School, he participated in the golf and tennis teams and various clubs such as FBLA and Model UN.

According to his LinkedIn page, Knauth also had an ardor for the arts, singing in the Concert Chorale and playing the violin in the Strolling Strings and Sinfonietta. Will continued his studies at Carnegie Mellon University, pursuing dual degrees in mathematical sciences and physics.

Moreover, he was active in varsity golf, the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, and the Society of Physics Students. He is furthering his education by trailing a Doctor of Philosophy in statistics at Columbia University from June 2022 to May 2027.

Knauth Is Debuting at TPC Craig Ranch

Golfer William Knuath is set to make his PGA Tour debut at TPC Craig Ranch. The At&T Byron Nelson tournament is dated to be held from 11th May 2023. 

Originally from Williamsport, Pa., the 24-year-old is a self-taught golfer who discovered his love for the sport at 8. Despite playing high school golf and participating in some North Central Pennsylvania Golf Association tournaments, he was unaware of AJGA events.

During his freshman year, Knauth was still considered a novice golfer and recorded a scoring average of 76.2. However, by his senior year, his skills had significantly improved, and he managed to set two school records while winning two titles for the Tartans.

Knauth's before and after image during a golf tournament
Source : facebook

Additionally, he was recognized as a two-time All-America Scholar. Knauth is a former CMU Men's Varsity Golf team captain and the first D-III athlete to win the award since 2008, surpassing highly ranked Division I amateurs Cole Hammer and Trent Phillips.

Previous winners of this prestigious award include Dylan Frittelli, Maverick McNealy, McClure Meissner, and Brandon Hagy. Since relocating to New York in August 2022, Knauth has had to find alternative ways to practice his golf game.

Despite the challenges, he remains steadfast in his dedication, utilizing Trackman simulators at Five Iron Golf and even enduring the cold weather to practice at Inwood Country Club, all in preparation for upcoming golf events.

Inside Will Knauth Family Life

Will Knauth parents are Robin J. DeWitt Knauth and Geoffrey Knauth. They met in May 1995 and married in 1996 at Archibald Lake in Lakewood WI. 

Following a delightful encounter at a church in Cambridge and tying the knot on July 4th, 1996, on an island in Wisconsin, the couple embarked on a new journey with their two sons, Alexander Davidson Knauth and William Whitman Knauth.

Grew up in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Will is two years younger than his brother, Alexander, born in March 1997.

Will Knauth Mother

Knauth mom Robin J. DeWitt Knauth is a distinguished professor at Lycoming College with over two decades of experience in teaching.

She has diverse academic interests and specialties, including the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, Near Eastern archaeology, ancient Near Eastern history and literature, Biblical and ancient Near Eastern law, and Biblical Hebrew.

(Left) Alexander, Robin and Will's picture from May 29, 2005
Source : facebook

Knauth's expertise in these fields is further bolstered by her extensive experience excavating archaeological sites in various locations. She has worked on archaeological projects in Israel, Cyprus, and several sites in Pennsylvania.

In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Robin is the Program Director in Archaeology and Culture of the Ancient Near East and Mediterranean.

Growing up in a diminutive town in northern Wisconsin, Dr. Knauth has always been passionate about outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, rowing, and cross-country skiing. She also enjoys singing with the Trinity Church Choir and Chamber Choir.

Will Knauth Father

Will Knauth dad Geoffrey S. Knauth is a software engineer who has been president of the Free Software Foundation since August 2020.

Before his current role, Geoffrey was a Senior Systems Engineer responsible for logistics at BBN Technologies (GTE/Verizon) in Cambridge, MA. In May 2002, he joined BAE (British Aerospace Engineering), where he continued to excel in his field.

(Right Top) Will, Alexander, Robin and Geoffrey while hiking in Bright Angel Trail
Source : twitter

Geoffrey has had an impressive educational background, having attended the renowned Lycee Francais de New York, Rumsey Hall, Choate, and Harvard College. 

Aside from his professional endeavors, Geoffrey has a longstanding passion for rowing. Before joining the Harvard Crew team, he began his career as a coxswain at Rumsey Hall and Choate Rosemary Hall.

He went on to represent the U.S. National Rowing Team and competed in various national and international rowing championships in 1989 and 1994.